Gayle Bradley 2 pros and cons might buy one

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

I have been interested in the Gayle Bradley 2 for some time nw and was wondering what people’s experiences are with this.

Seems to me I recall reading some cons but don’t recall them now. Thanks.

[BLUETYPEII]

First off I do not own this knife. I have only heard of one con and it’s that the original was better, why I couldn’t tell you. Personally the M4 steel does not appeal to me because it’s not stainless. I may be in the minority on this but you like what you like.

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

Thanks not a big fan of non stainless but for M4 I can deal with it.

[Pelagic]

Doesn't seem like the ideal slicer and it's not as hard use as the Gayle Bradley 1. I don't own one either. Might be perfect for some. It does have M4 (as does the Gayle Bradley 1), which in the production realm is a great steel. I can't say much else.

[JacksonKnives]

The lock access wasn't enough for my thumb. I'm not that big a fan of liner locks to begin with, so I usually picked other knives first for carry, after a while I realized I never carried it and sold it.

M4 is a great steel, the blade is a little thicker than I prefer but certainly not bad

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

The lock access wasn't enough for my thumb. I'm not that big a fan of liner locks to begin with, so I usually picked other knives first for carry, after a while I realized I never carried it and sold it.

M4 is a great steel, the blade is a little thicker than I prefer but certainly not bad

Thanks

[MichaelScott]

I had one. It’s an excellent knife made to use hard.

[abbazaba]

It is an incredibly well made knife that is a real stunner in person. The balance and feel of the knife is incredible, and makes for a great user. I preferred the hidden choil of the GB1, but the GB2 really grew on me. I've never fallen for the 940, but some similarities in size and shape could be seen as a positive. The ergos are much better on the GB2 due to the blade spine shape and added handle grip height IMO.



Here's another comparison picture I took a couple years ago:

[TkoK83Spy]

I posted this in another thread a couple months ago...

Gayle Bradley 2 - When I first got this knife, I wasn't into knives that weren't stainless. I looked up the specs prior to my purchase, thought it was a bit heavy, the ergos didn't look to be the greatest, wasn't sold on the liner lock, thought it was a little on the larger side compared to what I typically like (PM2 I consider large for my uses) and this was even slightly longer.

Something about it appealed to me though. I waited for an Ebay sale, and managed to get it during one of the 15% off deals and also made an offer. I got it brand new for $117! I knew I couldn't pass up that deal. It is now one of my favorite 3 knives that I have. It's stout, yet elegant. Feels great in my hand, cuts like a laser for me despite the grind. It's very thin behind the edge, but it's one of my knives that I have no problem getting screaming sharp on the Sharpmaker and it also carries well for the size. I don't typically flick and play with my knives, but I find myself doing so with this one sometimes. The sound of that lockup, at least on mine...is music to my ears haha. My wife can even tell the difference "must be a GB2 day"...as I annoy her with all my knives that she's even picked up on the slang :D

My only gripe, as previously stated by someone else is the thumb hole access. Some chamfering (sp?) would have worked wonders for this knife. I have relatively skinny fingers, so for me it's a no problem middle finger flick. I can also use my thumb, but just roll the blade open when doing so.

I absolutely love this knife and would never sell or trade it. A definite keeper for me.

[Evil D]

Pros: M4 steel

Cons: It's not a GB1.

[bearfacedkiller]

I have both the GB1 and GB2. I prefer the GB2.

Pros:
Crazy value for what you get. Probably one of the best values in the knife world.
Fit and finish is exceptional. Feels like the washers are made out of air.
For some uses the hollow grind cuts extremely well and it looks great.
The knife is is gorgeous.
I am not a fan of sharpening notches but the way it is done on this one is the best way IMO.
M4 is great steel.

Cons:
Mine could have a stronger detent but that is how I feel about all Taichung knives with a ball detent.

[TkoK83Spy]

Props to Darby for really using it and allowing a patina. The only GB2 I've seen on here with one!

[hoimin]

The GB2 is my favourite Spyderco to date.

This thread has a lot of the information you might be looking for:
http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?t=68977

[ABX2011]

Cons to me are the slight recurve in the blade and the scales - I don't like that pattern, aesthetically.

[linuxology]

To me it was not built to the same standard and felt inferior to the GB1. Tastes are subjective and you never know until you handle it. One loves it while the other dislikes it. Its all part of the search. It is the one GB iteration that I did not care for. Did not handle the advocate (yet), but want to.

[swigert]

Great knife. If I ever had to only 1 knife it would be in the discussion.

[PMBohol]

I’ve had mine for about a year now. It’s always with me. The M4 steel comes very sharp and stays sharp for a long time. It’s not stainless so wipe it now and then with a lightly oiled rag or similar. On mine the spine started to turn dark as I handled it. Over time the entire spine turned dark. It gives it character.

When you get the knife the lock will be really stiff. Just keep exercising it and it will eventually wear it. The action is very solid and it locks with a convincing click.

As already mentioned, the quality and finish is top class. The Taichung made knives are done very well.

[Mako109]

The pros are there are no cons :)

[Tims]

The only thing stopping me from getting one is the reports of detent ball degredation over time. It stops me from getting a few models actually as I have knives with flattend detent balls. If Spyderco ever upgrades to ceramic, I’ll jump.

[standy99]

Pros: M4 steel

Cons: It's not a GB1.

+1

I have the GB1 and rate it as the best folder I have. If the GB2 is half as good I would still buy it before many others.

When a knife maker reviews it as the best knife ever

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